Washing Guide for Gore-Tex Waterproof Outerwear

Gore-Tex is a brand of waterproof fabric. It’s designed for all-weather use and is capable of repelling water while allowing vapor to pass through.

Not only is it fully resistant to water but it’s also lightweight and breathable.

Some of the most popular Gore-Tex products include jackets, cargo pants, tights, windstoppers, and more.

Washing Instructions for Gore-Tex Outerwear

Can you machine wash Gore-Tex fabric? The answer is yes.

There are a few things that you want to keep in mind, however, if you want to preserve the integrity of the material.

How to Machine Wash Gore-Tex Outerwear

Before washing the jacket, zip up the front. Don’t forget the pockets as well. Next, fasten all the straps and flaps.

Place your durable water-repellent jacket in the washing machine. Ideally, you want to use a permanent press cycle- that will help the garment hold its shape and minimize wrinkles.

If your washer doesn’t have that setting, go for a delicate cycle.

Note: You can wash Gore-Tex jackets with other garments – the only exception being heavily soiled clothing.

Add a scoop of ACTIVE Detergent and wash the Gore-Tex jackets with warm water (105F/40C is best according to their website). Do not use stain removers, bleach, or fabric softener.

Wait for the wash cycle to finish before taking out your Gore-Tex clothing.

Once the cycle is complete, let them air dry on a clothesline. However, you can also tumble dry on low. In fact, it’s recommended that you put your Goretex jacket in the dryer for 20 minutes after drying to help reactivate the durable water-repellent (DWR) treatment.

Pro-tip: If you don’t have a dryer, you can reactivate the water repellent with an iron. Place a cloth or towel between the jacket and iron with a gentle setting (do not use steam).

Machine Washing Gore-Tex Infinium Jackets

Make sure all of the pockets and zippers are closed and place your Gore-Tex Infinium jacket in the washing machine.

Add a scoopful of ACTIVE Detergent and wash with warm water on a permanent press cycle or gentle cycle. It’s perfectly fine to wash the jacket with other items as long as they are capable of tolerating heat (some garments need to be washed with cold water).

Do not use chlorine-based bleaches as they can damage your product. In addition to that, you want to avoid fabric softeners as they can prevent sweat from moving to the surface (that’s how it normally evaporates).

Take your Gore-Tex jacket out once the cycle is finished and line dry or put it in the dryer on a gentle setting.

Note: You will need to reapply water repellent treatment if you are washing a Gore Windstopper jacket. On the flip side, you do not need to apply the treatment to jackets with persistent beading surfaces—that will affect their water repellency.

Washing Gore-Tex Jackets by Hand

Start by filling a tub with warm water. Dissolve a scoopful of ACTIVE Detergent and mix – you should end up with a soapy solution.

Carefully place your jacket in and lightly press down to submerge the fabric. Once it’s all in, let it sit for at least 20 minutes.

Swirl the jacket a few times and pick it up. Gently squeeze out the extra water before placing it on a clean surface.

Remove the excess water with a clean towel before allowing it to air dry. As with machine washing, you’ll want to reactivate the water-repellent treatment by putting it in the tumble dryer once it’s dried. Alternatively, you can iron it with low heat.

How to Wash Gore-Tex Gloves

Hand Washing Your Gore-Tex Gloves

Before washing your gloves, give them a good shake – that will help to get rid of any dirt or grit that’s trapped in the hand chamber.

Next, fill a bucket with lukewarm water. Add in a little bit of ACTIVE Detergent and mix.

Put your gloves in the soapy solution, making sure that the fabric is fully immersed, and let them sit for 20 minutes.

Pick them up and gently squeeze water from the outer fabric. Place them on a clean towel with the wrist points down to dry. Do not apply heat to the fabric. When they’re almost dry, put them on your hand – that will help restore them to their original shape.

Are Gore-Tex Gloves Machine Washable?

It’s best not to put your Gore-Tex gloves in the washer. Not only will the agitation be too rough but the straps and clasps can also get caught in the movement.

Best Way to Clean Gore-Tex Footwear

Aside from clothes, the brand also sells footwear for men and women. Here’s how to wash them.

Cleaning Your Shoes By Hand

Shake out any sand or gravel that might be inside the footwear. It’s also a good idea to remove the laces and insole (some might not be removable).

Dissolve a bit of ACTIVE Detergent in a bowl of lukewarm water to create a soapy solution. Dip a cloth or brush into the mixture and use it to clean the outer surface of the shoe.

Remember to always check the manufacturer’s instructions before starting.

When you’re finished, let it dry naturally at room temperature. Do not apply direct heat to the shoes as that can cause irreversible damage.

How to Wash Gore-Tex Clothing – FAQs

Should you wash Gore-Tex outerwear with liquid detergent or powder detergents?

ACTIVE detergent is the best choice for Gore-Tex outerwear. It’s gentle, plant-based, and contains enzymes that will penetrate the fiber to eliminate odor-causing residue, dirt, and other gunk.

Can you tumble-dry Gore-Tex clothing?

Yes, you can tumble dry Gore-Tex items on low – that will help re-activate the water-repellent treatment.

When in doubt, refer to the garment care instructions.

Can you machine wash Gore-Tex gloves?

No, Gore-Tex gloves should be washed by hand to preserve the integrity of the material.